Geroprotective Effect of Peptides in Gazprom Workers
Khavinson V.H., Morozov V.G.
Gazprom Medical Center
Abstract
Gazprom workers in northern Russia (Arctic and Siberian regions) experience "accelerated aging" due to extreme cold exposure, disrupted circadian rhythms (polar day/night cycles), high occupational stress, and social isolation during extended shift work. This large-scale, 6-year prospective study evaluated the geroprotective effects of annual peptide bioregulator courses in 11,252 male workers aged 40-65 years. The intervention group received a standardized peptide complex including Epithalamin (pineal), Thymalin (thymus), Prostatilen (prostate), and Cortexin (brain) administered as 10-day intramuscular courses twice annually. The control group received standard multivitamin supplementation. After 6 years of follow-up, the peptide group demonstrated a 67% reduction in all-cause mortality, 44% reduction in cardiovascular disease incidence, and significant improvement in biological age markers (immune parameters, hormone profiles, cognitive function). Absenteeism due to illness decreased by 53%, resulting in substantial economic benefits for the employer.
Study Population
Male Gazprom workers aged 40-65 years, employed in Arctic/Siberian shift work (2-4 week rotations), no pre-existing severe chronic disease
Context
Gazprom workers in northern regions face "accelerated aging" due to extreme cold, disrupted circadian rhythms (polar day/night), and high stress.
Intervention
Workers received annual courses of a peptide complex including Epithalamin (Pineal), Thymalin (Immune), Prostatilen (Prostate), and Cortexin (Brain).
Findings
Mortality
The death rate in the peptide group was significantly lower (67% reduction) compared to the control group receiving standard vitamins.
Morbidity
Respiratory infections and cardiovascular events dropped sharply.
Work Capacity
Absenteeism due to sickness decreased, resulting in significant economic benefits for the company.
Conclusion
This study validates the use of peptide bioregulators as a preventative "geroprotector" for healthy populations under stress, not just for treating existing diseases.
Statistical Results
All-cause mortality: peptide group 1.8% vs. control 5.4% over 6 years (HR=0.33, 95% CI 0.28-0.39, p < 0.00001). Cardiovascular events: peptide 3.2% vs. control 5.7% (HR=0.56, 95% CI 0.48-0.66, p < 0.0001). Biological age (regression formula): peptide group -5.7 ± 2.1 years vs. control +1.2 ± 0.8 years (p < 0.00001). ARVI incidence: 0.8 ± 0.3 episodes/year vs. 2.1 ± 0.7 (p < 0.001).
Study Limitations
- •Non-randomized design (workers chose participation)
- •Open-label study with potential selection bias
- •Confounding factors (lifestyle, baseline health) inadequately controlled
- •Male-only population limits generalizability
- •Published in Russian with limited international dissemination
Adverse Events
- •Injection site reactions: 2.1% (mild, self-limiting)
- •Transient headache in first week: 1.3%
- •No serious adverse events attributed to peptide treatment
Key Findings
- ✓67% reduction in overall mortality
- ✓Decrease in cardiovascular diseases by 44%
- ✓Significant improvement in work capacity
- ✓Biological age markers reversed by 5-7 years
Mechanism of Action
Systemic restoration of protein synthesis. Epithalamin and Thymalin acted synergistically to maintain homeostasis.